THANKS, KAREN ~ I appreciate that ... actually, I was never interested in WLS -- this was his idea and I never asked him for a referral; he just did that on his own. I just don't feel that it is a good thing FOR ME; but I know for others, it has helped them immensely, and I'm glad for them.
Just from my initial research already, I just can't see myself only having shakes before and after for 6 months ... I would have a hard time doing that now for a few weeks or even days; you'd have to lock me up away from food totally.

I don't eat huge amounts of food now; but after this surgery, my stomach would only be about the size of a large egg for quite a while, but might stretch later on.
My doc said that after a while (6+ months), I would be able to eat small amounts of chicken or fish only.

He said that this is necessary if they want to PROLONG MY LIFE ... I feel that I am being SCARED or TERRORIZED into something I don't believe in.
Someone else told me that her doctor told her the same thing and she told him -- ADIOS AMIGO; but we only have a few doctors in our town and aren't allowed to change them. This is a big downer about the Canadian system.
So, now I have a new doctor that doesn't believe that anything can help people lose weight successfully and permanently except surgery ... becuz he says that WLS is more successful %-wise. Oh boy ... here we go: the debate rages on ...
I want to try and beat this thing on my own, with GOD's help ... so yah, I would really appreciate those prayers ... and thanks!
GARY ~ prayers continuing for ANNIE and all her family ...